Expression Pathway
Do you dream of playing confidently with melodies full of expression? Learn to shape phrases, control dynamics and bring lyrical sound to your playing as you develop the art of expression. You can dip into any module in any order or chose to complete one module before going to the next. Enjoy the learning journey and be kind to yourself.
To enjoy this pathway it is recommended that you feel comfortable with basic harp skills.
1. Mastering Tucking
Mastering the art of tucking will help you create smooth, flowing phrases.
1A. Mastering Tucking
Learn to play smoothly and confidently by linking notes and phrases through tucking.
1B. 1-5-8-9-10 Exercise 1
Develop a beautiful accompaniment in the left hand using a repeated 1-5-8-9-10 pattern.
1C. Learn a Tune That Uses Tucking
Learn a tune that uses tucking such as
Schindler’s List.
2. Dynamics
Considering how you might use dynamics (loud or soft playing) to colour your music will help you develop expressiveness.
2A. Dynamics on Individual Fingers
An extension of individual fingers, this exercise further develops independence and control of each finger.
2B. Individual Fingers on Arpeggios
Finger independence is the focus of this lesson, working on this, whilst in a stretched position.
2C. Focus On Your Dynamics
Learn some more simple tunes and focus on your dynamic variation and control, such as
Christ Child Lullaby, Baloo Baleerie Someone You Loved
3. Mastering Rolled Chords
Rolled chords feel great to play and also can bring so much texture to your playing.
3A. Mastering Rolled Chords
Develop even and beautiful rolled (brushed) chords through this short course.
Series of lessons in C major.
Suitable for all levels.
3B. Learn a Tune That Uses Rolled Chords
Learn a tune that uses rolled chords such as Morning Mood (advanced arrangement)
4. Mastering Rhythm
Let’s not forget the importance of holding a strong rhythm through a piece, expression grows from excellent foundations.
4A. Master The Metronome
Learn basic rhythm to help you understand your music better. And then utilise the metronome in your practice!
4B. Learn a More Complex Rhythm
Learn a more complex rhythmic tune and focus on playing with expression through more challenging rhythms
Brown Eyed Girl, The Witches Jig
5. Develop Melodic Playing
Allowing a melody to sing is one of the most expressive approaches to music.
5A. Melody at the Heart
Gillian Fleetwood teaches a tune from her album 'Together With Yourself at Sea Level', and talks about why melody is so important to her.
5B. Developing Melodic Playing
Learn to shape phrases, control dynamics and bring a lyrical sound to your playing.
5C. Learn a Tune With a More Free Melody
Learn a tune with a more free melody and focus on keeping the melody at the heart of your playing
Bless Us All,
6. Telling a Story and Conveying Emotion
Music has the ability to paint a picture in the minds of listeners.
6A. Ailie Robertson In Concert
Ailie has performed and taught all over the world, released 3 solo Celtic Harp CDs and published 7 volumes of harp sheet music.
6B. Amy Turk In concert
Amy Turk is a multi-genre harpist, arranger, composer & session artist from the UK.
6C. Write A Story
Write a story for a tune you are learning. How would you introduce it in a concert? Are there any key moments in the music that stir up a particular image or emotion?
7. Further Inspiration and Tasks
7A. Keziah Thomas In Concert
Take note of the different layers of expression and how they are achieved.
7B. Eleanor Turner In Concert
Explore new tangents that celebrate the beauty and infinite power of the harp.
7C. Sing a Tune
Try singing a tune you are playing. Think about the phrasing in your voice and try to copy this on the harp.